Preparation Is Key to SAT Success

December 06, 2007|Metro Services

For high school students preparing for college, the SAT is undoubtedly the most important test they will take. "America's colleges regard the test as the most researched and respected test in the admissions process. All college-bound students should take the SAT because it increases your chances of getting into, and could even help you gain acceptance into colleges you previously would not have considered or qualified for," said Jim Montoya, Vice President of Higher Education Assessments at the College Board, a not-for-profit association that administers the test. "It opens the door to more options and opportunities." With a seemingly endless array of test preparation information available, students can feel bombarded with options. But preparation doesn't have to be a hassle. Montoya says students should prepare for the test as early as possible and take the preliminary SAT, known as the PSAT/NMSQT, during their sophomore or junior year. Students should also familiarize themselves with the test by taking practice tests. The College Board SAT Readiness Program offers free or low-cost materials to students preparing for the exam, including actual test questions from previous years. The program even offers a free SAT question each day for practice. "I practiced on all the old official SATs, so when test day came, I was so comfortable, it was like second-nature to me," said Darlene Roygulchareon, a high school senior who was accepted to her first choice, The University of Maryland. The College Board SAT Readiness program provides test-taking suggestions like answering easier questions first and not rushing to answer every question. Since wrong answers in the multiple choice sections lower your score, a better strategy is to omit questions that you don't know the answer to. Being mentally ready for the test is also important. A good night's sleep, knowing the best route to the test center and having all your materials ready the day before can make test day run smoothly. While the SAT is important, students need to keep the test in perspective, which is what colleges do. "Colleges look at your overall record - high school grades, extracurricular activities, teacher recommendations, essays and other materials you submit in the application process, so don't put too much undue pressure on yourself with the SAT," Montoya said. Be sure to check registration dates and register on time at www.collegeboard.com. BS077530